Česky
Wide range of diagnoses
The most common diagnoses encountered by the experts in occupational therapy for children in Beroun include developmental disorders such as delayed psychomotor development, developmental dyspraxia, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ADD) or fine motor disorders. They also work with children with sensory processing disorders, which may manifest as hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory stimuli.
Children with genetic defects and syndromes such as Down syndrome, Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, microdeletion syndromes or neurofibromatosis are also a specific group. Last but not least, occupational therapy also helps children with specific learning disabilities such as dysgraphia, dyslexia or graphomotor difficulties.
Play therapy
"Therapy takes place in a friendly and playful environment where children learn through movement activities, creation and imitation. Each session is individually tailored to the child's needs. It can be training in dressing, hygiene or other common activities, support for fine and gross motor skills, correct pencil grip or training in social and sensory skills," explains occupational therapist at Beroun Hospital, Kristýna Hoidekrová, PhD, MPH.
Variety of approaches and methods
The therapy includes, for example, elements of the cognitive-behavioural approach, proprioceptive techniques, elements of sensory integration and neurodevelopmental stimulation, and therapy of persistent primitive reflexes.
"For sensorimotor processing disorders, we use methods such as sensory re-education, balling or elements of the so-called Wilbarger protocol (brushing), or relaxation and calming techniques that help increase tolerance of sensory stimuli," explains Hoidekrova.
Caring for children with complex needs
For children with genetic syndromes and more complex difficulties, occupational therapists apply, for example, facilitation techniques, the Bobath concept, the PANat method, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) or elements of spiral dynamics. Beroun specialists also work with soft and myofascial techniques, orofacial stimulation or modern approaches using biofeedback.
Cognitive skills training
Cognitive training can also be part of the care, using both traditional methods and computer programs and biofeedback systems. For specific learning disabilities, the main approach is to train graphomotor skills, correct grip on writing instruments, development of visuomotor coordination and fine motor skills.
"Our goal is for each child to gain greater independence, self-confidence, enjoyment of everyday life and to participate as much as possible in a team among their peers. What was difficult before can be mastered step by step, but the cooperation of parents or caregivers is also important," adds the occupational therapist.
How to make an appointment?
You can make an appointment by calling 311 745 000. It is necessary to have a valid FT voucher for occupational therapy issued by a paediatrician or other physician of any specialty.
